Voters in the Swiss Alps have decided to ban naked hiking from the region in response to dozens of mostly German nudists started roaming the scenic region.

The local government recommended the ban after citizens complained about seeing nude hikers, mostly Germans, around their town, Australia's Herald Sun reported.

Nude hikers have been known to favor the region.

In the tiny district of Appenzell Inner Rhodes, citizens voted overwhelmingly with a show of hands to impart a fine of 200 Swiss franc (about $175 U.S.) on the naked offenders, England's Sky New reported.

Only a few people in attendance sided with the nude hikers, who started showing up in eastern Switzerland last fall to partake in their back-to-nature pursuit.

"The reactions of the population have shown that such appearances over a large area are perceived as thoroughly disturbing and irritating," the local government said in a statement, according to Sky News.

German Web sites that promote the activity tout nude hiking in the Alps as an ancient pastime.